Banking Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is Operation Brahma.

In News

• India launched 'Operation Brahma' to assist Myanmar after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in March 2025.

Key Points

• A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025, causing extensive casualties and infrastructure damage.
• Government of India launched dedicated HADR mission named Operation Brahma to support quake-hit areas.
• National Disaster Response Force teams and Indian Army field hospital units deployed for rescue and medical support.
• Indian Air Force C-130J and C-17 aircraft airlifted personnel, medical equipment, and relief material to Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon.
• Specialized medical task forces delivered trauma care, emergency surgeries, and essential health services to civilians.
• Indian Navy ships sailed with relief consignments, reinforcing India's Neighbourhood First and HADR commitment.
• Ministry of External Affairs coordinated multi-agency response with Integrated Defence Staff, NDRF, Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Additional Information

• HADR operations involve rapid deployment of military and civilian assets for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
• India conducted previous HADR missions like Operation Maitri for Nepal earthquake 2015 and Operation Dost for Türkiye-Syria earthquake 2023.
• MEA acts as nodal body coordinating with foreign governments during overseas disaster relief efforts.
• Such operations deepen strategic and people-to-people ties with neighbouring countries beyond immediate relief.

The correct answer is Venezuela.

In News

• BRICS identified new "partner countries" as part of expansion and Global South outreach strategy.

Key Points

• BRICS leaders at Kazan summit approved partner countries: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan from 1 January 2025.
• Extended invitees included Algeria, Nigeria, Türkiye, and Vietnam for potential partner status consideration.
• Venezuela did not feature in final partner country list despite interest, due to internal discussions and veto concerns.
• Partner-country mechanism enables closer economic-political engagement without core membership expansion.
• Partner countries significantly boost BRICS' global GDP, population, and commodity resources share.
• Initiative underscores BRICS' role as major Global South voice in international governance forums.
• Kazan Declaration formalised partner country concept and future engagement criteria.

Additional Information

• BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa; now includes additional full members.
• Partner status serves as stepping stone toward deeper BRICS institutional-financial cooperation.
• Expansion reflects geopolitical shifts as emerging economies seek alternatives to Western-led institutions.
• BRICS mechanisms include New Development Bank and Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

The correct answer is Rs 9.52 lakh crore.

In News

• Government reported sharp increase in domestic electronic goods production under PLI and electronics policies.

Key Points

• Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme expanded India's electronics manufacturing base significantly.
• Domestic production grew from Rs 1.90 lakh crore in FY 2014-15 to Rs 9.52 lakh crore in FY 2023-24.
• Growth reflects compound annual growth rate exceeding 17% over the period.
• Electronic goods exports rose from Rs 0.38 lakh crore in FY 2014-15 to Rs 2.41 lakh crore in FY 2023-24.
• Government targets enhanced value addition, reducing import dependence on PCBs, display modules, passive components.
• New PLI incentives expected to attract investments and generate direct-indirect employment in electronics.
• Industry projects combined domestic-export electronics market reaching USD 400 billion by 2030.

Additional Information

• PLI schemes provide output-linked incentives for achieving production-investment thresholds.
• Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) nodal ministry for electronics manufacturing schemes.
• India emerging major hub for mobile phone manufacturing within electronics value chain.
• Component manufacturing critical for localisation and better high-tech trade balances.

The correct answer is Nagaraju Maddirala, Secretary DFS.

In News

• The government set up the Inter-Ministerial-Industry Committee on Fintech chaired by Nagaraju Maddirala in March 2025.

Key Points

• Nagaraju Maddirala, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, was appointed as Chairman of IMICF to oversee the fintech regulatory framework.
• The committee examines the impact of fintech innovations on banking, payments, lending, insurance, and capital markets comprehensively.
• IMICF identifies regulatory gaps, data privacy concerns, cybersecurity risks, and consumer protection challenges in digital finance.
• Mandate includes studying global best practices from jurisdictions like Singapore, UK, EU for balanced fintech regulation.
• Composition features senior officials from RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, MeitY, and leading fintech industry representatives.
• Committee develops long-term strategy promoting innovation while ensuring financial stability and customer safeguards.
• Recommendations expected to shape India's Digital India, UPI ecosystem, and open banking architecture evolution.

Additional Information

• Department of Financial Services oversees Public Sector Banks, Insurance Companies, and Pension Funds regulation.
• The fintech ecosystem valuation exceeded USD 100 billion with 10,000+ registered entities in India.
• IMICF addresses regulatory sandbox expansion, cross-border data flows, AI governance in finance.
• Secretary DFS coordinates with the Financial Stability Development Council on systemic risk matters.

The correct answer is Yudh Abhyas.

In News

• 20^th edition India-US joint military exercise held in Rajasthan's Mahajan sector September 2024.

Key Points

• Bilateral exercise was the 20^th edition of Indo-US Army exercise "Yudh Abhyas" at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Bikaner.
• 600 soldiers each participated, making it one of the largest joint drills between countries.
• Focused improving interoperability in high-intensity operations, counter-terrorism, UN peacekeeping scenarios.
• Advanced weapon systems showcased: US HIMARS rocket system, India's modern platforms.
• Previous editions held in Alaska (2023), Auli Uttarakhand (2022), diverse terrains.
• Exercise strengthened defence cooperation, strategic partnership amid evolving security challenges.
• Mahajan range under South Western Command provides realistic live-fire manoeuvre training.

Additional Information

• Yudh Abhyas annual army-to-army exercise alternately hosted by India-US.
• Vajra Prahar focuses special forces; Yudh Abhyas involves larger conventional formations.
• Field firing ranges provide realistic conditions for live-fire manoeuvre training.
• Joint exercises standardise procedures, improve multinational operations response.

The correct answer is UNDP.

In News

• Ministry of Health launched the Zoowin Portal co-developed with UNDP for zoonotic disease monitoring in March 2025.

Key Points

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnered with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to co-develop the Zoowin Portal for integrated zoonoses surveillance.
• Portal connects human health, animal health, and wildlife departments through a real-time data sharing platform.
• Enables early detection of emerging zoonotic threats like avian influenza, Nipah virus, monkeypox outbreaks.
• Features AI-driven analytics, geospatial mapping, risk prediction models for One Health approach implementation.
• Supports National Centre for Disease Control, ICMR, Animal Husbandry departments with interoperable dashboards.
• Strengthens India's preparedness following COVID-19 lessons on zoonotic spillover prevention.
• Portal facilitates cross-sectoral coordination essential for antimicrobial resistance surveillance too.

Additional Information

• One Health approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health for pandemic prevention.
• Zoonotic diseases constitute 75% emerging infectious diseases including Ebola, SARS, COVID-19.
• UNDP supports India's digital health transformation through various development partnerships.
• National Action Plan for Prevention-Control Zoonoses guides India's multi-sectoral response.
• UNDP
• Established in - 1965
• HQ - New York

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only.

In News

• In April 2025, the State Bank of India (SBI) released a report titled “The PMMY: A Decade of Audacious Dreams: Bolder, Bigger and Indeed Beautiful” marking 10 years of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY).

Key Points

• Bihar has the highest number of PMMY women entrepreneurs at 4.2 crore, followed by Tamil Nadu (4.0 crore) and West Bengal (3.7 crore).
• Maharashtra has the largest share of women account holders (79%), followed by Jharkhand (75%) and West Bengal (73%).
• Out of 52 crore MUDRA accounts opened over the past decade: 78% are Shishu, 20% are Kishor, and 2% are Tarun/Tarun Plus.
• The share of MUDRA loans in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and North-east has significantly increased, indicating improved financial inclusion.

Additional Information

• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
• Launched in 2015 to provide microfinance to non-corporate small businesses.
• Offers three categories of loans: Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,001–₹5 lakh), and Tarun (₹5 lakh–₹10 lakh).
• SBI Research Findings (2025)
• Reported a shift towards more inclusive credit access across underbanked regions.
• Highlighted the pivotal role of women entrepreneurs in PMMY’s success story.
• Women in PMMY
• Women make up a significant portion of MUDRA borrowers, especially in states like Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

The correct answer is Rs 1 lakh crore.

In News

• Budget 2025-26 announced the Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund for cities as growth hubs.

Key Points

• Finance Minister proposed Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund financing up to 25% cost of eligible bankable city projects.
• Fund supports "Cities as Growth Hubs", creative redevelopment initiatives, and water-sanitation infrastructure development.
• Minimum 50% project cost raised through municipal bonds, bank loans, public-private partnerships ensuring market discipline.
• Initial Rs 10,000 crore allocation made for FY 2025-26 to operationalise fund immediately.
• Incentivises urban local bodies to undertake governance reforms, improve creditworthiness for market borrowings.
• Strategy positions Indian cities as engines of economic growth, employment generation, innovation hubs.
• Complements AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission focusing on sustainable urban transformation.

Additional Information

• Urban Challenge Fund encourages competitive reform-oriented behaviour among cities.
• Municipal bonds issued by creditworthy cities like Indore, Bhopal gaining investor confidence.
• PPP models leverage private sector efficiency for urban infrastructure delivery.
• Water-sanitation investments contribute directly to SDG 6 and urban livability.

The correct answer is 4 nominees.

In News

• Banking Laws Amendment allows up to 4 nominees for deposit accounts from November 1, 2025.

Key Points

• Amended provisions effective 1 November 2025 permit up to 4 nominees for bank deposits including fixed deposits, savings accounts.
• Nominations are made simultaneously with specified percentage shares or successively with priority order.
• Simultaneous nominations require total shares of all nominees equalling 100% claim amount precisely.
• Successive nominations activate next nominee only if previous nominee unable or unwilling to claim.
• Revised framework speeds claim settlement, reduces disputes through clearer succession arrangements.
• Banks updating systems, forms capturing multiple nominees and respective percentage entitlements.
• Applies uniformly to deposits, safe custody articles, safe deposit lockers uniformly.

Additional Information

• Nomination simplifies settlement but doesn't override legal succession rights under personal laws.
• Customers modify/cancel nominations submitting fresh forms during lifetime.
• Multiple nominees reduce concentration risk, potential conflicts among legal heirs.
• Clear nomination records enable faster claim processing without extensive documentation.

The correct answer is Rs 23.

In News

• RBI capped ATM transaction fees at Rs 23 beyond free usage limits from May 1, 2025.

Key Points

• RBI circular 28 March 2025 revised ceiling for ATM cash withdrawal charges beyond free transactions to Rs 23 plus taxes.
• Cap applies uniformly to transactions at bank ATMs and white-label ATM operators nationwide.
• Free usage framework maintained: minimum 5 own-bank ATM transactions, 3-5 other-bank ATMs monthly.
• Banks free to charge lower fees based on customer relationships, pricing strategies flexibly.
• RBI periodically reviews charges balancing operator cost recovery with customer protection imperatives.
• Circular mandates transparent charge disclosure in statements, ATM screens for customer awareness.
• Non-financial transactions like balance enquiry attract separate lower fee structure.

Additional Information

• ATM regulations under RBI Payment Settlement Systems oversight framework.
• White-label ATMs operated by non-bank entities authorised by RBI specifically.
• Customer awareness prevents unexpected charges, reduces banking grievances effectively.
• UPI transactions complement ATM ecosystem reducing physical cash dependency.
• RBI
• Established in - 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor - Sanjay Malhotra

The correct answer is Foreign Exchange Dealers Association.

In News

• PSL guidelines specify applicable banking entities excluding non-bank associations.

Key Points

• PSL mandatory for Scheduled Commercial Banks including public, private sector, Regional Rural Banks.
• Small Finance Banks maintain higher PSL targets reflecting their inclusive banking mandate.
• Local Area Banks and Primary Urban Cooperative Banks (except Salary Earners') covered under PSL.
• Foreign Exchange Dealers Association not a banking entity hence excluded from PSL requirements.
• Targets expressed as a percentage of Adjusted Net Bank Credit or Credit Equivalent Off-Balance Sheet Exposures.
• Shortfall banks contribute to Rural Infrastructure Development Fund or other penalty mechanisms.
• PSL ensures credit flow to underserved agriculture, MSME, education, housing, export sectors.

Additional Information

• Major categories: agriculture 18%, MSE 7.5%, weaker sections 12% of ANBC.
• RBI revises guidelines adding startups, health infrastructure as eligible PSL.
• Co-lending models enable banks-NBFCs joint PSL financing arrangements.
• Priority Sector Lending Certificates traded for surplus/shortfall management.
• RBI
• Established in - 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor - Sanjay Malhotra

The correct answer is Applied.

In News

• NITI Aayog-NCAER launched States Economic Forum portal on 1 April 2025.

Key Points

• NCAER expands to the National Council of Applied Economic Research, India's oldest economic think tank.
• 'A' stands for Applied emphasising practical economic research for policymaking.
• Portal provides states with interactive dashboards, benchmarking tools, reform recommendations.
• Supports cooperative-competitive federalism through comparable economic performance metrics.
• NCAER conducts surveys on agriculture, industry, households, macroeconomic indicators.
• Forum helps states identify growth opportunities, fiscal management improvements.
• NITI Aayog coordinates Centre-state economic policy interactions through platform.

Additional Information

• NCAER was established in 1956 as an independent non-profit research institution.
• HQ - New Delhi
• Headquarters located New Delhi conducting pan-India economic surveys.
• NITI Aayog succeeded the Planning Commission in 2015 as premier policy think tank.
• State-level economic forums promote evidence-based policymaking regionally.

The correct answer is Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.

In News

• Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare launched the Krishi-DSS platform August 2024.

Key Points

• Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare leads Krishi-DSS integrating multi-source agricultural data.
• Platform delivers actionable advisories to farmers, extension workers, and state agriculture departments.
• Decision-support covers crop health monitoring, yield forecasts, and drought-excess rainfall risk alerts.
• Aligns Digital Agriculture Mission using AI/ML for precision farming recommendations.
• Reduces information asymmetry improving farm-level climate resilience significantly.
• Complements e-NAM, agri-weather advisories, soil health card digital ecosystem.
• Real-time satellite data enables near-instant crop condition assessment across districts.

Additional Information

• DA&FW responsible agricultural policy, schemes, farmer welfare implementation.
• Decision Support Systems employ models, analytics aiding complex agricultural decisions.
• Digital agriculture key strategy increasing productivity, sustainability.
• Remote sensing provides near-real-time crop condition monitoring capabilities.

The correct answer is Joint ventures and subsidiaries/affiliates.

In News

• NBFC/HFC fraud reporting for group joint ventures and subsidiaries.

Key Points

• NBFCs must report frauds in joint ventures, subsidiaries, and affiliates to the RBI via fraud monitoring returns within 14 days.
• HFCs report to the National Housing Bank in the prescribed format for incidents.
• Theft, burglary, dacoity, and robbery reported to RBI Fraud Monitoring Group within 7 days.
• Immediate reporting to law enforcement via nodal officer mandatory.
• Overseas branches report to host country authorities; parents report overseas group frauds to RBI.
• Applies if group entities lack financial sector regulation/supervision.
• Enhances group-wide fraud risk management framework.

Additional Information

• Fraud Reporting under RBI Scale-Based Regulations.
• Timeline - 14 days for classification
• Agency - RBI Fraud Monitoring Group
• Nodal officer coordinates police FIR and central reporting.
• Group entities include controlled subsidiaries and JVs.
• Penalties for delays include supervisory actions.
• Aims at early detection and mitigation across affiliates.

The correct answer is 7 days.

In News

• RBI mandates a minimum 7-day maturity for Certificates of Deposit issued by banks.

Key Points

• Bank-issued CDs maintain a minimum 7-day maturity, with a maximum up to one year duration.
• Issued at a discount to face value, redeemed at par providing implicit interest yield.
• Negotiable instruments transferable by endorsement-delivery enhancing liquidity.
• Scheduled commercial banks excluding RRBs, co-operative banks eligible issuers.
• Banks diversify funding beyond traditional deposits through CD issuance strategically.
• Institutional investors park surplus funds in CDs seeking short-term returns.
• RBI prescribes reporting, Cash Reserve Ratio requirements on CD liabilities.

Additional Information

• Money market includes T-Bills, Commercial Paper, and Certificates of Deposit.
• Financial institution CDs permit longer maximum maturities up to three years.
• Unsecured instruments carrying issuer credit risk profile.
• Interest rate movements influence secondary market CD trading yields.

The correct answer is SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 13.

In News

• National Green Hydrogen Mission aligns with SDG 7, 9, 13 targeting clean energy transition by 2030.

Key Points

• Mission supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) developing 5 MMT annual green hydrogen capacity with 125 GW renewable addition.
• Contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure) mobilising Rs 8 lakh crore investments creating 6 lakh green jobs.
• Advances SDG 13 (Climate Action) abating 50 MMT annual GHG emissions reducing fossil fuel imports by Rs 1 lakh crore.
• Targets energy independence by 2047, Net Zero by 2070 through hydrogen as a long-duration renewable storage solution.
• Facilitates decarbonisation across industry, transport, power replacing fossil fuels systematically.
• Ministry of New Renewable Energy leads mission establishing India as green hydrogen export hub globally.
• Creates ecosystem for electrolysers, storage, distribution infrastructure supporting derivative production.

Additional Information

• Green hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity exclusively.
• SDG 7 focuses universal access clean affordable modern energy services.
• SDG 9 promotes resilient infrastructure sustainable industrialisation innovation.
• SDG 13 urges immediate action combat climate change impacts.

The correct answer is USD 11.5 billion.

In News

• India's CAD widened to USD 11.5 billion (1.1% GDP) in Q3 FY25 from USD 10.4 billion in the previous year.

Key Points

• CAD rose USD 11.5 billion Q3 FY25 representing 1.1% GDP versus 1.1% previous year driven by merchandise trade deficit expansion.
• Service exports growth partially offset the widening merchandise trade gap maintaining CAD stability in percentage terms.
• Private transfer receipts and remittances reached USD 35.1 billion up from USD 30.6 billion supporting the current account.
• Primary income account outgo investment income payments increased USD 16.7 billion from USD 13.1 billion.
• Financial account showed FDI net outflow USD 2.8 billion contrasting previous inflow USD 4 billion.
• Non-resident deposits recorded USD 3.1 billion inflows lower than USD 3.9 billion year-ago period.
• External commercial borrowings saw USD 4.3 billion net inflows reversing previous outflows significantly.

Additional Information

• CAD measures difference between exports and imports, goods services key external sector indicator.
• BoP depletion USD 37.7 billion September-December 2024 versus accretion previous period.
• Remittances constitute major support current account amid trade imbalances.
• RBI monitors external vulnerabilities through forex reserves management actively.

The correct answer is 14.

In News

• Bhagavad Gita, Natyashastra inscriptions elevated India's total to 14 UNESCO Memory World Register entries.

Key Points

• Bhagavad Gita 700 verses 18 chapters Sanskrit Devanagari script guiding a meaningful purposeful life inscribed in a register.
• Natyashastra Bharat Muni preserved Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute recognised dramatic performing arts essence.
• India's 14 entries include the Rig Veda, Gilgit Manuscript, the Abhinavagupta manuscripts, Maitreyayvarakarana Pala period.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 Paris proclaimed UNGA also features new register entries.
• Shantinatha manuscript 1396 CE Jain Tirthankara life ten illustrated scenes Gujarat Jain painting style.
• Abhinavagupta 248 manuscripts 41 texts 10^th-century Kashmir philosopher polymath spanning philosophy and aesthetics.
• UNESCO Memory World Register preserves documentary heritage world significance universally.

Additional Information

• Memory World Programme protects the endangered valuable archival heritage globally.
• Bhagavad Gita Mahabharata part philosophical spiritual guidance cornerstone of Hinduism.
• Natyashastra comprehensive treatise Indian performing arts theatre dramaturgy.
• Inscriptions highlight India rich manuscript tradition cultural intellectual heritage.
• UNESCO
• Established in - 1945
• HQ - Paris, France

The correct answer is 1154.30 LMT.

In News

• Second Advance Estimates highlight record Rabi wheat production of 1154.30 LMT 2024-25 season.

Key Points

• Wheat production is projected to reach a record 1154.30 LMT increase of 21.38 LMT over 1132.92 LMT in the previous year 2023-24.
• Rabi foodgrains excluding summer crops estimated at 1645.27 LMT supporting food security objectives.
• Estimates prepared using remote sensing, the Weekly Crop Weather Watch Group, and state reports validation.
• Crop Cutting Experiments yield assessment stakeholder consultations industry government representatives.
• Rabi rice excluding summer estimated 157.58 LMT complementing Kharif record 1206.79 LMT.
• Pulses gram chana 115.35 LMT lentil 18.17 LMT tur 35.11 LMT diversifying production.
• Oilseeds Rabi excluding summer 140.31 LMT rapeseed mustard 128.73 LMT edible oil security.

Additional Information

• Rabi season October-March winter crops wheat predominant foodgrain.
• Advance estimates guide procurement planning and buffer stock management.
• Remote sensing monitors crop health acreage real-time accurately.
• Crop Cutting Experiments scientific yield estimation methodology standard.

The correct answer is Paytm.

In News

• Paytm and DPIIT signed an MoU to support fintech startups with mentorship and infrastructure.

Key Points

• Paytm-DPIIT partnership provides fintech hardware startups with mentorship, innovation guidance, and scaling support.
• It offers regulatory compliance workshops and facilitates industry-government collaboration to navigate complexities.
• The collaboration leverages Paytm's extensive merchant network for infrastructure, market access, and solution testing.
• The initiative strengthens India's startup ecosystem and positions the country as a global innovation hub.
• It focuses on developing payment and financial technology solutions through comprehensive ecosystem support.
• DPIIT Joint Secretary highlighted Paytm's fintech expertise and infrastructure for entrepreneurs.
• The partnership addresses scaling challenges and contributes to India's innovation leadership emergence.

Additional Information

• DPIIT serves as the nodal agency for the Startup India initiative fostering entrepreneurship nationally.
• Fintech hardware includes payment terminals, POS devices, and financial infrastructure solutions.
• Merchant network testing validates solutions in real-world transaction environments effectively.
• Regulatory sandboxes enable compliant innovation testing in controlled settings.
• Paytm 
• Founded in - 2010
• HQ - Noida